2006-01-05
Various Thoughts on Tao
Thoughts on TAO
These are interpretations of what Tao is from the following sites:
"Tao means "way." It is understood that the Tao is the underlying pattern of the universe, which can neither be described in words nor conceived in thought. The goal of Taoism is to bring all elements of existence- heaven, earth, and man- into harmony. To be in accordance with the Tao, the individual must empty himself of doctrines and knowledge, act with simplicity and humility, and above all seek Nature. The idea of turning to Nature for peace and harmony had a great effect on East Asian cultures, especially in the arts, where idealized and imaginary landscapes and natural art forms are profoundly linked to the tenets of Taoism."
"The Tao is the natural order of things. It is a force that flows through every living and sentient object, as well as through the entire universe. When the Tao is in balance it is possible to find perfect happiness."
"More a listening technique than an actual theology, Taoism asks that each person focuses on the world around them in order to understand the inner harmonies of the universe. It is a religious system heavily focused on meditation and contemplation. The Tao surrounds everyone and one must listen to find enlightenment."
"A problem you run in to when you're about to write about the Taoism is that you can't explain what "Tao" is."
The Tao, that can be followed
is not the eternal Tao
The name, that can be named
is not the eternal name.
"What this basically means is that if you try to conceptualize the Tao in your mind, it is automatically wrong. The Tao cannot be fully described in words. What you think is the Tao is also automatically wrong."
"The word "Tao" is usually left untranslated, because it is considered impossible to define. Yet if you try, you can call it "the way". Sometimes it is also compared with the "atma" of the hinduism."
"Tao leavens all through, and also causes everything in the universe. Yet Tao is nothing, at the same time as it creates everything. If you think that you understand what Tao is, then it is not the real Tao that you understand. Tao is completely unlimited, and "only the limited can be understood and expressed" (Rene Guenon: Symbolism of the cross)."
"The Tao is both the law of the cosmos and that which the law regulates: there is no difference in this. Thus you may hear the Tao spoken of as both a kind of supreme being and as a cosmic law or principle: it is both and neither."
"Tao is a force. It's not a God, it's not some sentient being controlling the universe. It just IS. It's everywhere, all at once. It flows through the entire world, and we're all affected by it, even if we don't realize it."
"The Inexplicable Tao:
One can point in all directions and it would be Tao, only it would not be Tao in its totality. I would say Nature is Tao, and yet it itself is but a manifestation of the elusive source Tao. To say Tao is "this" is to say Tao is not "that", to say Tao is "that", is to say Tao is not "this". Tao is all that exist and all that does not. The Tao can be talked about, but not the total and/or eternal Tao. Tao is void and form and yet is the source of both void and form."
"You will never "understand" the Tao, you can only annihilate the separation that stands between you and It.
Paradoxically, you are never separate from the Tao except in your own mind. The puddle can believe that it is separate from the ocean, but the ocean is not limited by puddle consciousness."
And for something as little different, check this out: The-Tao-and-Star-Wars
And consider this:
"The Force" - A simplistic understanding of the Tao can been understood by watching the Movie Series "Star Wars". George Lucas studied Taoism and Eastern Philosophy for quite a while before he made these movies. This is quite apparent to those who have also studied. Through out the film we hear tales and learn the values of the "Jedi Knight" and of "The Force". What George Lucas did was introduce Americans to Bushido and the Tao, to Martial Arts philosophy, and to eastern philosophies in general, all camouflaged it in his film.
The Jedi Knights values were in perfecting ones-self, Physically, Mentally and Spiritually. They worked on many aspects of their person, including meditation, mental exercises, learning how to deal with their problems, learning how to defend themselves, and in keeping fit. This is the values of Bushido, and Martial Arts in general. The martial artist attempts not only to improve his "fighting" skills, but all the things that can make him as a better person.
"The "Force", as it was called in the film, could have as easily been called the Tao. Luke Skywalker was taught to not fight "the force", but to feel and accept it around him. He was taught by the wizened master, that through accepting the power of the force (nature/tao), and learning not to doubt himself, many things were possible. These are the teachings of the Tao." Mackido.com
meyamind at 1:29 a.m.
